How to Effectively Manage a Remote Design Team

Think about a friend you have, or a family member, or distant cousin or even a coworker, who is very passionate about their work and always has creative solutions up their sleeve. Designers are quite akin to that. 

 

Have you noticed how much fun it is to work with them, with out-of-the-box ideas flowing all over? However, managing them can be equally stressful, especially when working remotely. But with the right strategies and tools, it can also be highly effective. 

 

And with remote work becoming increasingly popular in the post-pandemic years, there is enough data to corroborate that more and more workers, as well as businesses are embracing it. In such a scenario, it is imperative for managers to learn how to do so. 

 

In this essay, we will discuss the best practices for managing a remote design team, citing data from surveys, examples, and case studies. So, let’s begin! 

 

1. Establish Clear Communication Channels 

Lack of effective and clear communication from the start is a key hurdle when managing a remote team. To overcome this challenge, managers should use a combination of communication tools like email, video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management software. This ensures that every stakeholder is on the same page. 

Sketch, a design software company, has created a highly effective system for remote communication. They use a combination of Slack, Zoom, and Google Docs to keep everyone in the loop. They also have a daily stand-up meeting where each team member shares what they worked on the previous day and what they plan to work on that day. 

 

2. Set Clear Goals and Expectations 

It is common knowledge that remote workers struggle with staying motivated, according to research. Setting clear goals and expectations right in the beginning and providing regular feedback to employees can ensure that they stay on track. 

InVision, a digital product design platform, uses a performance management tool called 15Five to set goals and provide regular feedback to their remote team members. They also hold regular one-on-one meetings to discuss progress and address any issues. 

 

3. Foster a Sense of Community 

Remote workers can feel isolated and disconnected from the rest of the team, which can lead to disengagement and lower productivity. It is important to foster a sense of community to help them combat struggles with loneliness. 

To this extent, managers should encourage them to connect with each other through virtual team-building activities, regular check-ins, and social events. For instance, holding virtual happy hours, game nights, and coffee chats encourages the breakdown of virtual boundaries. 

 

4. Use Project Management Software 

An approximate 77% of remote workers say that project management software is critical to their success, according to a survey conducted by Wrike. It is a crucial tool for managing remote teams. It allows managers to track progress, assign tasks, and communicate with team members in real-time. 

There are many such tools available, including Trello, Asana, and Basecamp. Managers should choose one that suits their team's needs and ensure that everyone is trained on how to use it effectively. 

 

5. Provide Training and Development Opportunities 

Remote team members may feel left out of training and development opportunities that are typically offered to on-site employees. Hence, it becomes all the more important to provide these opportunities to them to ensure that they stay engaged and feel valued. 

Figma, a popular interface design software, offers a variety of training and development opportunities to their remote team members, including online courses, workshops, and mentorship programs. They also encourage team members to attend conferences and networking events to stay connected to the larger design community. 

 

So far, we have discussed the importance of effective management of remote design teams, and covered the ways in which you can carry that out. We hope our blog helps you.